The Crisis in a Nutshell: Quotes of the Week

“I think you have to at some point be honest with what’s happening in the real world, as opposed to what you’d like to have happened.” —Newt Gingrich, essentially conceding the Republican Presidential nomination to Mitt Romney.

“I left my last page of the speech. Does anyone have my last page?” —Senator Marco Rubio, while delivering what was billed as a “major” foreign policy address.

“He said she was a crazy slut and there was a one-in-three chance that it was his.” —Andrew Young, former aide to John Edwards, testifying about Edwards’s reaction to hearing that his mistress, Rielle Hunter, was pregnant.

“When I look at where we are as a nation and the challenges we face, I am convinced that Mitt Romney will provide a clear contrast to President Obama.” —Rudy Giuliani, endorsing Romney.

“I don’t think that their nominee is going to be able to suddenly say, ‘Everything I’ve said for the last six months, I didn’t mean.’ I’m assuming that he meant it. When you’re running for president, people are paying attention to what you’re saying.” —President Obama, on Romney.

“This is what they do in China on party matters if you talk off script.” —Jon Huntsman, on being disinvited from a Florida Republican fund-raiser.